Kentucky Derby Mint Julep (Unofficially)

The 139th running of the Kentucky Derby is this Saturday.  Post time is scheduled for 6:24pm.  That leaves a lot of time before the race.

You'll need something to quench your thirst, so why not enjoy the unofficial drink of the Kentucky Derby...The Mint Julep.

The Mint Julep consists of bourbon, sugar syrup and mint.  It's served at the track in a souvenir glass available with all previous winners printed on the cup.  Here's a recipe I found.  Feel free to try it.

Kentucky Derby Mint Julep: Serves 6-8 people

2 cups - sugar, 2 cups - water, 16 oz – Maker’s Mark bourbon, 2 per mint julep, Crushed ice, 10 sprigs fresh mint, 8 mint julep glasses.

Combine water and sugar in a pot and bring to a boil to make simple syrup. Boil for 5 minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with 2 sprigs of fresh mint and refrigerate overnight. To make your mint julep, start by filling each mint julep glass with crushed ice.

Add 1 tablespoon of the mint flavored simple syrup then 2 ounces of Maker’s Mark bourbon. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the glass. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. Sip and enjoy!